Arleen Ann Austin Eastabrooks, age 90, of Hinckley, IL, passed away on Saturday, November 26, 2005 at the home of her daughter, Cheryl Salter in Hinckley, IL. She was born on January 20, 1915 in Richmond, IL, the daughter of the late William and Marietta (Johnson) Austin.Arleen was born and spent her childhood years growing up on the 280 acre Austin family farm, Spring Valley, in Richmond, IL learning the wonderful country values that would carry her through her entire life. Her parents and family were her greatest joy. Her heart was always back on the farm, though her time there was only 18 years.She attended Keystone Corners One Room Country School and Richmond-Burton High School and graduated Vice President of her Class. Arleen aspired to be an actress and performed in numerous High School plays. She also took a college stenography course but couldn't continue because her family became ill with scarlet fever and was quarantined. She stayed home to care for them. Soon after this, she met Arch D. Eastabrooks at a Richmond Memorial Hall Valentine's Dance where he swept her away. They were married at the Crawford Estate in Dixon, IL on June 25, 1933. Arleen and Arch left Richmond and lived in several homes in Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana until settling in 1952 in Arch's family home in Hinckley, Illinois. They spent 39 happy years together until his passing in February, 1972.Arleen was a homemaker until her 40's and began a career in retail that lasted until she was 88 years young. She was the Avon Lady in Hinkley, going door to door for several years. She then worked for Anchor Brush in Aurora, Illinois. After that, her career in retail truly began. She worked at Sencenbaughs, Lyttons, Bowman Shoes, Hinckley Video and lastly, The Rose Peddler's Wife of Richmond, Illinois. Arleen loved people, selling and working and did so until the age of 88 years old. She also was a proud distributor of Golden Neo-Life Diamite Vitamins for 30 years and attributed them to her excellent health, vigor and longevity. Her magnetic and always positive personality carried her through her life making friends wherever she went. She took care of herself in an extraordinary way and truly loved every day and never took life for granted. During her illness, she continued to inspire us with her courage. Arleen touched many lives and was always an inspiration and joy to those who knew and loved her. She had friends from her age down to 4 years old. Her personality was an ageless one and attracted friends for all the right reasons. Mrs. Eastabrooks was a member of the Hinckley United Methodist Church for 60 years. Arleen also served as an election judge until she was 90 years old.Arleen is survived by her children, Archie A. (Linda) Eastabrooks and Cheryl A. (Timothy) Salter both of Hinckley, IL; her six loving grandchildren, John Eastabrooks of Fort Pierce, FL, Heather (Eric) Shultz of Sycamore, IL, Melissa (Roger) Welton of Melbourne, FL, Brandon Eastabrooks of Fort Pierce, FL, Derek Salter of Chicago, IL and Drew (Nicole) Salter of Shabbona, IL; her two precious great-grandchildren, Jordyn Shultz and Austin Salter; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and friends.Arleen was preceded in death by her husband, Arch D. Eastabrooks; her parents, William and Marietta Austin; her three brothers, Edwin, Harold and Donald Austin; her father-and mother-in-law, James and Sarah (McCrea) Eastabrooks, her nephews, Donald and William; and her niece, Carol.Arleen will be deeply missed by her family and friends. There was no greater role model. She was an extremely dedicated and adoring mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. She was a one-of-a-kind person never to be replaced. She will be in each and every one of our hearts for the rest of our days. Peace be with her always until we meet again...We would like to thank Dr. Asad Shah of DeKalb, Illinois for his kind and compassionate care of Arleen during her illness. It meant the world to us. We would also like to thank DeKalb County Hospice for their presence and constant support during this most difficult time. Having them meant so much. We would like to thank in particular Kathy, Beverly, Nikki and Greg. We would also like to thank Pastor Patrick Skinner for his numerous visits and support during our time of need. In addition, thank you to Linda Eastabrooks for the absolute dedication shown to the family and Arleen during her illness. There could be no better daughter-in-law.Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at Hinckley United Methodist Church, 801 N. Sycamore Street in Hinckley, IL with Pastor Patrick Skinner officiating. Interment will follow in the Miller Cemetery in Hinckley, IL.Friends may call from 4:00 until 8:00 PM on Tuesday, November 29, 2005 at the Nash-Nelson Memorial Chapel, 141 N. Maple Street in Hinckley, IL.Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Homes, (815) 286-3247 or (630) 553-7611.